American Latinos 1935-1945
“American Latinos 1935-1945”, is a multimedia project that includes an immersive video installation with more than 250 images of Hispanic-Americans, captured almost a century ago by some of the most influential photographers of the 20th century.
The installation premiered at Instituto Cervantes New York on May 16th, 2024.
All images courtesy of the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.
“American Latinos 1935-1945″ is the result of three years of research, reviewing over 30,000 images from the Library of Congress that were captured all over the United States by some of the most influential photographers in American history: Dorothea Lange, Jack Delano, Russell Lee, John Collier Jr., Marion Post Wolcott, Arthur Rothstein, Edwin Rosskam, and Marjory Collins—to name a few.
This itinerant project includes an immersive video installation, a lecture, and an exhibit of monumental prints.
Praise for “American Latinos 1935-1945”
“This is one of the first major projects to focus on the pictures of Latinos in this collection.”
Adam Silvia, Curator Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress.
“Alberto Ferreras has compiled more than 200 images, many never before published or rarely seen, documenting the visual history of American Latinos in this country from WPA photos held by the Library of Congress. Ferreras tells a powerful story, narrated by Olga Merediz. Grateful and honored I could see it this week. Go see it too!”
Brett Zongker, Chief of Media Relations, Library of Congress.
“Beautifully curated, written and narrated. A must see for those interested in American History”
Caridad de la Luz, Executive Director, Nuyorican Poets Cafe.
“A powerful immersive video installation. I will keep spreading the word, so this exhibit continues gaining momentum and telling more of our American Latino history.”
Yvette Peña, VP of Latino Audience Strategy AARP.
Interview with Alberto Ferreras about American Latinos
CUNY – USA
Exhibit American Latinos in New York City.
RTVE – Spain
Latino portraits by the greatest photographers of the 20th century.
La Nacion – Argentina.
American Latinos 1935-1845 at Instituto Cervantes
La Guia Cultural – USA
“Mexican cotton picker” by Dorothea Lange. California 1936.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress – Prints & Photographs Division
“Spanish American students” by John Collier Jr., New Mexico, 1943.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress – Prints & Photographs Division
“Spanish is the language spoken at the children’s homes” by John Collier Jr, New Mexico 1943.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress – Prints & Photographs Division
“Ox cart driver” by Jack Delano. Puerto Rico, 1943.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress – Prints & Photographs Division
“Mexican carrot puller” by Russell Lee. Texas, 1939
Courtesy of the Library of Congress – Prints & Photographs Division
“Spanish American boy” by Russell Lee. New Mexico, 1940.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress – Prints & Photographs Division
“A coffee picker” by Jack Delano, Puerto Rico, 1938.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress – Prints & Photographs Division
“Girl Carrying water. The gasoline can is one of the most valuable utensils, especially in the hills.” by Edwin Roskam. Puerto Rico, 1938.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress – Prints & Photographs Division